One instance where ear injury mentioned. Never felt comfortable with this although gets quoted quite often. Narratives say he retired for health reasons and business issues - but............he was so active when working.Awaiting reply from Freemasons Hall if they have any info on the lodge in Klerksdorp.I wonder if the French riding accident got confused with earlier - a kick in the head by a horse would equate to severe ear injury??
The Bioscope - Thursday 18 May 1922
Memorial to the Late Dr. R. T. Jupp
Before proceeding to transact the formal business of the day, the members paid a graceful tribute to the memory of the late Dr. R. T. Jupp. On a wall of the Council Room of the Association a tablet has been hung. It is inscribed:
In Memoriam. DR. RALPH TENNYSON JUPP,
Chairman and one of the Founders the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association of Great Britain and Ireland, 1912-13.
Who broke no promise
Served no private end
Who gained no title
And lost no friend –
POPE,
Alderman E. TROUNSON, J.P. (President), said they were about to pay a tribute to one of the pioneers of that great industry. They were about to unveil a tablet on which they had tried to record their appreciation of the great characteristics of the late Dr. Jupp, the most notable of which was his absolute unselfishness. He proposed to ask their ex-President, Councillor G. F. McDonald, to unveil the tablet in a moment, because the idea of commemorating the services of the late Dr. Jupp to their Association was initiated during his term of office. The words from the great poet Pope, which appeared on the tablet, expressed simply and sincerely their feeling for one whom they held in the greatest regard. After the ceremony, he proposed to ask the oldest friends of Dr. Jupp to say a few words, and perhaps Mr. A. E. Newbould, M.P., cr Mr. F. E. Adams, who were so closely connected, would add their appreciation.
The Ex-President's Eulogy
Councillor G. F. MCDONALD said his duty was one of pleasure, mingled with great regret, regret at the loss of a noble and gallant colleague, yet in some ways a pleasure because they could record their esteem of a great character in a way that would remind those who followed of the great inspiration Dr. Jupp gave to their industry.
He was diligent and industrious in his youth, followed medicine as a profession, and took his degrees in about half the usual time. After, he went through the South African war with distinction, but unfortunately not without injury. He was wounded in the ear, which determined his career as a medical practitioner, and he entered the cinema industry. Whatever Dr. Jupp did he did with thoroughness and earnestness, - and in due course he brought those fine qualities to bear on. his new interests in the film world.
The cinema show at that time was a very tawdry and paltry affair, but Dr Jupp was gifted with great imagination, and he had the prescience [he fact of knowing something in advance; foreknowledge] to see the great possibilities that would come in due course. He was the first to project high-class theatres, with cafes" and the best music.
He founded the Provincial Cinematograph Theatres. He was a man who had a unique degree' of concentration. He was a wonderful organiser and in spired all who worked with him with a similar enthusiasm . He left no detail unstudied.
The Trade Ambulance Fund: bore evidence of this great facility. That was his inception, and he worked on it day and night. Dr. Jupp's withdrawal from the Cinema Trade through ill-health was a matter of profound regret to all who knew him, and his subsequent return was welcomed by all. His untimely death was a calamity to the Trade. He (the speaker) had been asked by Mr. Gavazzi King to bear tribute to the great assistance and encouragement and inspiration Dr. Jupp had always given him in his early days. He not only assisted with his advice but also worked hard. Every member of the Trade was indebted to Dr Jupp for his untiring efforts and his wonderful character and his great merits. His memory would always be enshrined in their hearts. He had pleasure in unveiling that memorial. All the members present stood as a silent testimony 0f their esteem for the late Dr. Jupp.
Mr. Newbould's Tribute
Mr A. E. NEWBOULD, M.P., said that no words of his could add to the eloquent tribute of Mr. McDonald"' although those words were very far short of the tribute Dr' Jupp deserved. Mr. Adams and himself were brought up with Dr. Jupp from childhood. They were much of the same age, and were born and lived in the same town. They recollected him as far back as they could recollect. Whatever walk in life Dr. Jupp applied himself, he added to its glory. He had a remarkable adaptability and a tremendous power of concentration. His attention to detail was probably the most remarkable thing he (Mr. Newbould) ha d ever seen. He had sat with Dr. Jupp when he prepared the document for the Treasury, and many times when he thought the document was complete, and should go forward, some small detail would be examined to see if there was flaw in the argument put forward. When the scheme complete there was nothing more to be said on it than was in the document. What they thought in their hearts was not so much his great ability and the success he achieved, but the great, lovable human being that he was. He had the spirit of youth. He was a man who would never have grown old. Dr. Jupp did good by stealth. His generosity to his less fortunate friends was remarkable, and there were even to-day those who were able to live on the generous provision which he made for them in the times of his prosperity. These cases were unknown to the Trade. It Was simply through working with him that he (Mr. Newbould) happened to know of them. In losing Dr. Jupp, not only the industry but mankind lost one of their finest and best characters.
